Los Angeles – In a modest but encouraging live‑batting‑practice session on Saturday, Dodgers two‑way star Shohei Ohtani threw 30 pitches while wearing long sleeves in 93‑degree heat. The session, observed by manager Dave Roberts, pitching coach Mark Prior, and baseball‑operations chief Andrew Friedman, ended with Ohtani giving a thumbs‑up, a sign that the team believes he is moving toward a return to the mound.
Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3, when lingering soreness in his left knee – the landing leg for his delivery – forced him onto the injured list. Roberts told reporters, “We’re getting there. If it were up to Shohei, he’d be in a game in a few days,” adding that he hopes the knee issue is behind the club.
The Dodgers plan to give Ohtani another live session next week. When he re‑enters the rotation, the team intends to limit him to one, two, or three innings at a time as part of a gradual buildup. “The lives are good because you’re actually facing hitters and you can see the mechanics and how they play,” Roberts said, emphasizing the value of real‑time feedback.
Roberts also noted that the ultimate goal is for Ohtani to make full‑length starts as the Dodgers chase a third straight World Series title in October. “I could sit here and say, ‘Yeah, six innings when we start the postseason,’ but he’s still got to do the work and get there, and he’s got to pass some tests and markers,” the manager explained.
Other pitching updates
Right‑hander Tyler Glasnow is set to return to the rotation, with a start scheduled for Tuesday in Atlanta – his first appearance since May 6 after a stint on the 60‑day injured list for lower‑back spasms. He will join a rotation that already includes Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.
When the injured starters are back, reliever Justin Wrobleski is expected to shift to the bullpen, according to Roberts.
Closer and outfield news
Closer Edwin Díaz, who has been on the 15‑day injured list with neck inflammation, spent Friday catching while he rests mechanically after a challenging first season with the Dodgers. Roberts indicated the club will not rush Díaz back into the closer role, preferring a gradual return to build confidence and feel.
Outfielder Andy Pages was placed on the injured list Saturday with a left‑hand fracture after being hit by a pitch from Pirates starter Bubba Chandler. Roberts said the team is leaning toward surgery, with a four‑week minimum recovery timeline.
To fill the outfield roster, the Dodgers recalled Alek Thomas from Triple‑A Oklahoma City. Thomas, acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in mid‑May, will see time in center field against right‑handed pitchers, while Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández could be used against left‑handers.
While Ohtani’s progress is the headline, the broader picture shows a Dodgers club actively managing injuries and positioning its staff for a deep postseason run. Fans can look forward to seeing Ohtani’s first live‑batting session next week and, if all goes well, a gradual return to the rotation as the team pushes toward another championship.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
